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Vodafone UK today finally announced their release date and "tariffs" (rate plans) for the iPhone on their network. Disappointing those who had hoped the carrier would introduce the Apple phone by Christmas, Vodafone announced a launch date of January 14, 2010. Vodafone will be the fourth carrier for the iPhone in the UK, joining Orange, Tesco Mobile and O2, whose exclusivity to sell the phone ended earlier this year.

“We started preparing our network over a year ago so that iPhone customers will really feel the advantage of being with Vodafone,” said Guy Laurence, CEO of Vodafone UK. He emphasized that Vodafone engineers had been focusing on improving network speed and reliability to attract and retain customers in the increasingly competitive UK market.

The cheapest plan will cost £30 per month with a two-year contract, and includes 300 minutes and unlimited SMS, plus 1GB of data. A 16GB iPhone 3GS with this plan will be £149, while an iPhone 3G would cost £59 extra. The £45 per month plan includes a free iPhone 3GS. Tethering is available at three tiered rates: £5 a month for 500MB, £10 for 1.5GB and £15 for 3GB. Costs increase if users choose the 18 month plans, which is in line with how Orange and O2 do business.

Customers who had registered their interest in iPhone with Vodafone and those who had pre-ordered iPhones will get free Vodafone to Vodafone phone calls for the term of their initial contract.